Attack on Eric Morecambe statue - more reaction

All that remains of the Eric Morecambe statue is his shoe. Photo by Alistair Robinson.

Published:12:28Sunday 12 October 2014

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There has been an outpouring of disgust at the attempted theft of the Eric Morecambe statue.

Politicians, hoteliers, publicans and celebrities have been reacting to yesterday’s shocking events.

The culprit tried to steal the iconic monument to the comedian by sawing it away from its base at the leg. Lancaster City Council has taken the bronze sculpture away for repairs.

A 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted theft.

David Morris, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, tweeted: “Awful news of vandalism of the Eric Morecambe statue.

“I hope that the council can get the statue back up on the promenade where it belongs.”

Amina Lone, who will stand for Labour in Morecambe and Lunesdale in the next election, said: “Eric’s statue is iconic and loved by people in Morecambe as well as the rest of the country.

“He is a huge tourist draw and I see crowds each week showing their respect and love for Eric by having photographs with him. I have done it myself a number of times.

“Eric brought sunshine to people up and down the country. I urge the city council to urgently repair Eric and return him to his rightful place on Morecambe seafront. We all need some sunshine in our lives and we cannot let mindless vandalism put Eric in the shade.”

Paul Bury, manager of the Lothersdale Hotel in Morecambe, called it “a complete lack of respect for the town or for the star of his day, Eric.

“This criminal act affects the entire community who I’m sure will all feel the same disgust at what’s happened.”

Debbie Ellershaw, landlady of Morecambe’s Ranch House bar, said the attack was “disgusting and totally disrespectful”.